Webster Technique

About the Webster Technique


Chiropractic care benefits all aspects of your body's ability to be
healthy. This is accomplished by working with the nervous system--the
communication system between your brain and body. Doctors of
Chiropractic work to correct spinal, pelvic and cranial misalignments
(subluxations). When misaligned, these structures create an imbalance in
surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, the resulting nerve system
stress may affect the body's ability to function optimally.

*The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified
adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to reduce the effects of sacral
subluxation/ SI joint dysfunction. In so doing neuro-biomechanical function
in the pelvis is improved. *Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this adjustment as a safe
means to restore proper pelvic balance and function. This specific sacral
analysis can be used on all weight bearing individuals to determine S/I
joint dysfunction/ sacral subluxation and is therefore applicable for the
entire population. The assessment includes heel flexion to buttocks, with
restricted flexion indicating the affected SI joint. Correction is made
with a diversified, sacral adjustment. It is used on all weight bearing
individuals presenting with this biomechanical restriction. Common symptoms
include (but are not limited to) low back pain, sciatic neuralgia, and
symptoms associated with sacral subluxation and/ or S/I joint dysfunction.

The ICPA recognizes that in a theoretical and clinical framework of the
Webster Technique in the care of pregnant women, sacral subluxation may
contribute to difficult labor for the mother (i.e., dystocia). Dystocia is
caused by inadequate uterine function, pelvic contraction, and baby
mal-presentation.32 The correction of sacral subluxation may have a
positive effect on all of these causes of dystocia.

In this clinical and theoretical framework, it is proposed that sacral
misalignment may contribute to these three primary causes of dystocia via
uterine nerve interference, pelvic misalignment and the tightening and
torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments. The resulting tense
muscles and ligaments and their aberrant effect on the uterus may prevent
the baby from comfortably assuming the best possible position for birth.

In regards to pregnant mothers, Dr. Webster reported that when a mother
sought care and her baby was in a breech position, the restoration of
pelvic neuro-biomechanics with this adjustment also frequently facilitated
optimal fetal positioning. There are cases published in the chiropractic
literature that support this theory. More research is needed and is
currently underway by the ICPA.

The obstetric literature has determined that correct positioning of the
baby in-utero affect birth outcome and decrease the potential for undue
stress to the baby's developing spine and nerve system. Obstetric
literature has determined the importance of normal pelvic
neuro-biomechanics including uterine function and pelvic alignment for the
prevention of dystocia (difficult birth). It has also determined that
correct positioning of the baby in-utero affects birth outcome and
decreases the potential for undue stress to the baby's developing spine and
nerve system. Chiropractic literature has determined the significance of
sacral adjustments in normalizing pelvic neuro-biomechanics.

It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and
adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral
imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics in the mother. Because of
the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight
gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of
sacral subluxation and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general
population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment
has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers
may have significant benefit by having their spines checked regularly
throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and
baby.


The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association offers classes of
instruction and awards qualified attendees a Certificate of Proficiency in
the Webster protocol. Only those doctors on our site maintain recognized
certification status for the Webster protocol.